Zimbabwe Select squad named

Posted by brmtaylor.com admin on August 14, 2008

Zimbabwe's squad to take on the Pakistani cricket academy has been named, and without any big names. The only ODI capped players in the squad are spin bowlers Tafadzwa Kamungozi and Timycen Maruma, as well as top order batsman Friday Kasteni. The three players have only 9 ODI's experience between them. Regis Chakabva and Taurai Muzarabani will be vital players, having represented Zimbabwe in South Africa's domestic competitions.

Erick Chauluka will skipper the team despite poor performances for Zimbabwe A in the past. He was appointed captain over several other players with leadership potential; Prince Masvaure, Bradley Staddon and Trevor Garwe. There were several surprise selections in the squad, none more so than Gerald Aliseni, the former Falcon College cricketer who has played just 2 domestic one day matches and a solitary Twenty20 - all without scoring or taking a wicket. Patient Charumbira and Taurai Muzarabani also had quiet domestic seasons.

There were those who very much deserved their selection though. Bradley Staddon was rewarded for a solid Logan Cup performance, as was Shingirai Masakadza who was one of the best players of the domestic season. Tafadzwa Ngulube will most likely take the wicket keeping gloves against the Pakistan academy, while the up and coming star Regis Chakabva will probably play as a specialist batsman.

The squad has a heavy Takashinga influence, with 8 of the 15 players coming from the Highveld plus coach Steven Mangongo.

Zimbabwe Select squad: Erick Chauluka (capt), Bonaparte Mujuru, Prince Masvaure, Tafadzwa Kamungozi, Timycen Maruma, Bradley Staddon, Gerald Aliseni, Trevor Garwe, Friday Kasteni, Regis Chakabva, Patient Charumbira, Sam Mwakayeni, Taurai Muzarabani, Tafadzwa Ngulube, Shingi Masakadza, Steven Mangongo (coach)

Zimbabwe Select first XI (likely): T. Ngulube (wk), E. Chauluka (c), B. Staddon, R. Chakabva, B. Mujuru, F. Kasteni, P. Masvaure, T. Maruma, S. Masakadza, T. Garwe, S. Mwakayeni